Club Clipsal Starts a Mexican Wave!
When you go to a party you expect certain things to be laid on; a few drinks, some nibbles maybe, and if you’re lucky possibly some entertainment, sure. What you don’t expect is the entirety of the Santa Monica foreshore on the coast of Los Angeles booked exclusively just for you, let alone a luxury ocean liner… well, that is, unless you’re a Club Clipsal Member
On April 16th 2010, some 2000 Club Clipsal International Members flew into LA from all over the world, including Australia, New Zealand and South Africa for a stopover in the ‘Home of Hollywood’ before embarking on a nine-day luxury cruise throughout the Mexican Riviera.
The cruise celebrates 15 years since the birth of Club Clipsal International and 90 years of the Clipsal brand. Whilst a celebration it may be, this is no ordinary cruise we’re talking about. This extravagant trip included exclusive appearances onboard from stars such as The Pointer Sisters, Mondo Rock and Jules Lund. Now the second cruise for Club Clipsal, this overseas trip is regarded as one of the largest industry events hosted for those in the electrical trade; setting a soaring precedent for other loyalty clubs not just in Australia, but around the world.
Whilst in LA, Clipsal gave club members the absolute star treatment with an exclusive all-expenses-paid Welcome Party on the famous Santa Monica Pier. And according to a report published in the Santa Monica Daily Press, the Club Clipsal event was the largest private function to ever to take place on the pier.
"We literally took over Santa Monica and put on the biggest ever, private party on the iconic 100 year old Santa Monica Pier and Pacific Park. Within about 48 hours of us all landing in LA, almost every local knew the Clipsal brand and either wanted an invite to the party or a job with us!" said Angelo Russo, then Customer Relations Manager of Clipsal.
Hosted by Australian TV Presenter Jules Lund (well known for his appearances on Getaway and the Logies Red Carpet) the Welcome Party was a taste of what was to come over the coming nine-days onboard the Norwegian Star. And after a few words from Clipsal’s General Executive, Damien Cummins, he (Damien) flicked a life-size Clipsal switch, which lit up the entire foreshore of rides and sideshow attractions to which members had the exclusive use of throughout the entirety of the evening.
Following the festivities, the next day members made their way to the Norwegian Star ocean liner which would become their home over the coming nine-days, a venture which has been in the planning stages for over five years and costs Clipsal and Club Clipsal International Members over $10 million dollars.
"There is so much planning that goes into a trip like this, but to see every minute of it enjoyed by your customers makes it all worthwhile," said Angelo Russo.
For anyone who has ever attended a Club Clipsal function before knows though that it’s not all just about over-the-top parties and schmoozing with the rich and famous – no, there’s always an element of business that is incorporated, and the cruise was no exception. Clipsal hosted a series of business sessions onboard the ocean liner in the Stardust Theatre, which seats 900 and covered everything from energy efficiency to new product releases.
After nine jam-packed days of cruising the Mexican Riviera, Club Clipsal International Members were still celebrating right up until the very last day – April 25th, Anzac Day. The day saw members pay their respects from the other side of the world, starting with a remembrance service including a very emotional minutes silence whereby all members, and cruise staff, had their phones off and wore commemorative Anzac pins as a sign of respect to this very important day.
And it was on this day, whilst celebrating a special part of history, that Club Clipsal would create it’s own history when Damien Cummins made an announcement that, based on the success of this exclusive cruise (the club’s now second in ten years), there would be another trip in the pipeline for members during 2015.
I think it’s clear to say that Clipsal know how to spoil their loyal customers and will go to extraordinary lengths to make sure they capture social experiences that one only dreams of witnessing in their lifetime, let alone have the opportunity to do so three times over 15 years. If you’re a Clipsal customer and not part of Club Clipsal International you might be missing out on one of the best life experiences ever. Make sure you have a chat with your Clipsal Rep or visit clipsal.com and find out how you can make it happen, so that you can be on the invitation list for the club’s next adventure in 2015.
For media enquiries please contact: Alex Beltrame, Media Manager, Clipsal Australia Ph: (08) 8161 0822
For general media enquiries about Clipsal please contact:
- Alex Beltrame,
Media Manager,
Ph: +61 8 8161 0822
